Jamaal Anderson is a defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons. Do not confuse him with Jamal Anderson, the running back who spent his entire seven season career with Atlanta and ran for 1,846 yards in the team's 1998 Super Bowl season. This Jamaal Anderson was selected by the Falcons in the first round of the 2007 Draft out of Arkansas.
The 24 year old has been something of a disappointment for the Falcons. He has only 4.5 sacks in 4 pro seasons. The team started giving the 6'6" 289 pound lineman more work inside at tackle in 2009. His productivity generating pressure went up a bit, but it still was not a strength to his game. By 2010, Anderson was a part time player and viewed as a bust. Quietly, though, he emerged as perhaps Atlanta's best run defender.
Anderson is set to be the second highest paid man on the Falcons defense in 2011, which is not cost effective for a guy who does not play every down. That could lead to a release.
After reading that, you might be thinking, "John, he's a bust. We already have Vernon Gholston. Why would the Jets ever want this guy?" You will just have to wait for my explanation. I think there are good reasons things why have not worked out in Atlanta and why he could be a good fit in New York.